Bloomington Portrait Group has been meeting by weekly since January 2017. During normal times the group meets for two hours every other Thursday. Models represent our communities rich diversity in age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Models also include people who help make Bloomington a great place to live, from ministers to churches radio personalities, teachers, and Indiana University women’s basketball stars. The only thing they share in common is their interesting faces. Artists range from beginners to professionals. About 60 individuals are associated with the group, but sessions typically range from 10 to 12 participants. They work in a range of mediums from oil and watercolor to graphite, charcoal, and pastel. It is difficult to complete a portrait in two hours, so many finish the pieces at home, working from reference photographs. Some members like to apply narrative in the portraits, so models are encouraged to bring items that relate to their interest. These have included knitting, books, sports gear, musical instruments and even a pet ball python. If you would like to join us as an artist or model, please contact BPG Director Claude Cookman, ccookman@indiana.edu